Japan diaries: Kiyomizu, Kyoto

A little side venture during our long weekend in Osaka led us to Kiyomizu-dera, a Buddhist temple in eastern Kyoto. We arrived by taxi (it’s not so expensive from Kyoto Station if you’re splitting the fare) and as I stepped out of the air-conditioned vehicle, I confidently proclaimed that Kyoto wasn’t as hot as everyone had warned it would be. Ten minutes and a little hill climb later and I was fanning myself profusely and refusing photographs I was so sweaty. Kyoto summer is no joke! It didn’t seem to scare off the three Japanese University students that offered to practice their English and show us around the temple. It was fantastic having them accompany us, albeit amusing. They kept having to pause for minutes at a time because they were out of breath/ so hot they couldn’t think.  I was also so hot I couldn’t think, so I unfortunately don’t remember much of what they said. One thing’s for sure, between the crowds of tourists and sweltering heat, I could definitely appreciate the magnificence of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. I’d recommend you pay the 100 yen to experience the pitch black tunnel that is Tainai-meguri. You walk through a hallway (it really is freakishly dark) which is supposed to symbolise the womb of Daizuigu Bosatsu, a female bodhisattva (an enlightened being). There’s plenty more to do at the temple, but this website offers a better explanation.
I’ll definitely be heading back to Kyoto for more xoxo.

Just your average day in Harajuku

Not only is Harajuku Tokyo’s number one shopping district, it’s also one of my favourite places in Japan to just people watch (A bit of a snobby comment for someone that’s only been there twice, oh well!). Where else in the world would you see a man wearing fishbowl earrings and a Jack Sparrow lookalike dog all in one day? Harajuku exhibits the weird n wacky, the beautiful and the just plain gaudy in an overt yet very timid way. The few people I experienced were dressed in some of the craziest outfits I’ve ever seen, yet they were extremely shy and seemed to avoid attention at all costs. I wonder if tourists taking photographs make these young girls feel more like freak shows than fashion inspirations? I find myself feeling a bit ignorant and more and more curious about the reasons behind their fashion choices. Time for some research I reckon!
PS. A noteworthy end to the day may have included something along the lines of a deep fried pizza…oissshhiii yo! 

Japan diaries: Summer dining in Osaka

“Enjoy a wide selection of appetizers, salads, grilled Australian beef and lamb, seafood, summer desserts with free flow beer, wine and juices in a garden setting by the pool.” Umm – yes please!!!
This is the rooftop Hyatt Summer Garden BBQ at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Osaka – talk about magical! They offer the barbeque everyday between June 13th and September 4th, from 5:30pm – 10pm. The hotel’s website offers summer discount tickets, and make sure to book early if you plan to go on a weekend.